What Is A Better Choice? Hot Desking vs. Hoteling

Numerous companies are now considering the implementation of a hybrid work model. This approach has gained significant traction, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which compelled many businesses to embrace remote work and reassess their work arrangements. Which is a better choice between hot desking vs. hoteling.

Hybrid Setup:

Depending on the team members’ needs, they can work anywhere in this type of setup, between hoteling vs. hot desking. This work setup focuses on giving employees the flexibility they need to become more productive rather than the traditional work setup’s attendance. Hot desking and hoteling are essential in managing a hybrid work setup.

In this article, you will be able to learn more about the following:

• What is hot desking
• What is office space hoteling
• Benefits
• Factors to consider
• Tips on selecting
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What Is Hot Desking?

Hot desking is a system that allows employees to choose from a pool of available workspaces daily on a first-come, first-served basis. 

What Are the Benefits of Hot Desking?

Hot desking is transforming the traditional office landscape by offering employees a new level of flexibility. With the ability to choose their workspace and interact more freely with colleagues, hot desking brings about a range of advantages. In this article, we explore these benefits under distinct subheaders.

1. Tailored Work Environments

Imagine the freedom to work from the cozy confines of your couch most days, reserving the office for when a change of scenery is in order. Hot desking empowers individuals to craft their work environment to suit their unique preferences. This level of adaptability allows employees to work in a manner that aligns with their personal preferences. Furthermore, select their favorite office spot, fostering a sense of ownership and comfort despite a hot office setup.

2. Fostering Interactions and Connectivity

In a hot office setup, employees are presented with increased opportunities to interact with their peers from various departments. Unlike traditional work arrangements where departments are often segregated, hot desking encourages cross-departmental connections. However, while hot desking offers these advantages, it’s crucial to be aware of potential challenges:

3. Managing Desk Availability

One primary challenge in the hot desking model is the possibility of all desks being occupied when more employees arrive on the same day. With, for example, 50 desks available but 60 employees visiting, frustrations and future productivity challenges may arise. Addressing this issue effectively is essential to ensure a smooth hot desking experience.

4. Desk Reservation and Early Booking

To tackle the desk availability issue, employees can reserve their desks using the office reservation tool. Notably, early bookings are not permitted, requiring employees to arrive at the office earlier than anticipated to secure a workspace. Additionally, it’s important to mention that the reservation tool is accessible only within the office premises.

What Is Office Hoteling?

Many would ask about the difference between the two and the hoteling meaning of it. Office space hoteling is a reservation system where employees can reserve:

• Desks
• Conference Rooms
• Collaboration Spaces 

To facilitate hoteling, meaning to pre-book amenities using personal devices. The process is like securing a hotel room; Desk reservations can be made in advance through the office hoteling system.

What Are the Benefits of Office Hoteling System?

The office hoteling system offers numerous advantages:

1. Accessibility and Convenience

Employees can easily reserve desks a day in advance, even when outside the office. This accessibility reduces uncertainty and increases the likelihood of securing a workspace.

 2. Efficiency and Planning

The office hoteling system provides an efficient and detailed method for employees to plan their office visits. Hoteling stations are easily viewable from anywhere, enabling quick and convenient office visits.

3. Enhanced Focus and Privacy

It creates an environment conducive to focused discussions, free from distractions. Employees enjoy a sense of privacy and comfort, fostering collaboration and personal space.

4. Boosting Engagement, Collaboration, and Productivity

Office hoteling stations deliver a practical and cost-effective solution for enhancing employee engagement, collaboration, and productivity. It facilitates a comfortable and conducive atmosphere for work and interaction.

In summary, the office hoteling system offers accessibility, efficiency, privacy, and a productivity boost, making it a valuable choice for organizations aiming to optimize their workspace management.

What Issues May Come Across in Using Office Hoteling?

 1. Unpredictable Changes

Change is inevitable, and unforeseen events can disrupt office hoteling plans such as reserved desks may go unused due to sudden changes in plans. Moreover, the likelihood of sitting near your colleagues is reduced.

 2. Limited Reservation Opportunities

Securing a hoteling station can be challenging, leading to occasional unavailability. Employees may face difficulties reserving a spot on certain days.

 3. Daily Preparation

Temporary desks lack personal storage, requiring you to bring everything you need to work at the office, you must ensure you bring all necessary items each day.

What Are the Office Hoteling Best Practices To Observe?

Here are two ultimate office hoteling best practices that every company should take into consideration:

Talk to your co-workers.

Communicating correctly with them, especially when seated on a chair with the resources for you to do your job and asking them to use it just for a while is always right.

Have some spaces for walk-ins.

It’s important to note that all tables are usually reserved. However, in emergencies where someone forgot to book ahead, these spaces are available off the system and are made explicitly for them.

3 Hoteling Tips

Before considering establishing office hoteling in your company, here are three hoteling tips that you should consider:

Needs and requirements of end-user 

Availability of company resources

IT services the company can provide

The best practices and strategy during this transition are more comprehensive than the abovementioned things. Knowing your company is still the most effective way to understand how to make things work.

Now that we have discussed hot desking vs hoteling, a question still needs to be answered: Are hot desking and hoteling the same? 

Many employees prefer shared office spaces, including physical and digital environments. Hot desks and office hoteling best fit this kind of setup, but it is essential to remember that they are different.

Office hoteling system enables employees to pre-book their preferred workstations in advance through their devices. On the other hand, hot desking, where employees can only reserve a desk on the same day they intend to work in the office in a device accessible only in the office. 

In today’s digital age, it’s increasingly evident that a hybrid work model is a practical option for many businesses. Technological advancements and communication allow anyone to work remotely and stay connected to them. However, before going into a hybrid work arrangement and utilizing hot desking or office desk hoteling, companies should take the time to consider some factors carefully. 

Factors in Hot Desking vs Hoteling:

1.  Nature of the work

2. The needs and preferences of individual employees

3, The overall company culture

Hybrid work setups are likely to be successful, productive, and beneficial for employees and the company if the above factors are highly considered. 

Hot Desking vs Hoteling: Things To Consider and Prepare For

#1. Know the needs of your employees.

In managing a company, you must understand the needs of your employees. Before making any alterations to your company’s framework, consider the following:

• Your staff members are the backbone of your organization.
• Employee’s well-being and adaptability must be given priority. 
• By giving importance to the employees’ needs, a company can guarantee a happy, productive, and conducive work environment. 

#2. Listen to the ideas of your team members.

It is common for people to have different opinions, especially when confronted with a shift in situation. 

• It is essential to stay grounded. 
• Be calm and attentive. Listen to employees’ viewpoints.
• Be open to feedback regardless of whether it is favorable or not.
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#3. Study and plan the details ahead.

Preparation for shifting of workplace framework requires detailed planning. 

• Detailed planning of the number of desks, chairs, rooms, equipment and other amenities are all planned out. 
• Detailed planning will help in determining potential issues and help in creating possible solutions. Planning will also give a sense of preparedness before being presented to the company. 

#4. Create policies and rules.

Policies and rules are established to ensure peace and order in a company. Hot desking and hoteling are new, and some employees will still learn to adapt its system. Establishing policies will help in proper decorum, etiquette, waste management, and due process for possible conflicts.  

#5. Ensure performance monitoring.

Monitoring the office hoteling system and how the employees adapt will ensure that the company provides quality service, boosting employee satisfaction, and understanding employees’ needs. 

Monitoring how the employees have adjusted and adapted to the new system is necessary. Furthermore, adjusting what needs to be improved to keep them motivated and engaged during office visits.  

Hot Desking vs. Hoteling: Adapting to Employee Needs

When considering the choice between hot desking vs. hoteling, both options empower employees to tailor their workspace to their unique requirements. While they share similarities in flexibility, each approach has distinct characteristics that cater to different workplace preferences. Explore these options under hoteling vs. hot desking to find the best fit for your organization’s needs.

Bottom Line

The discussion on hot desking vs. hoteling is helpful in a hybrid work setup. Yet, it will always depend on the company’s ability, resources, and the employees’ adaptability to succeed. However, it’s important to note that the success of a hybrid work model depends on clear communication, well-established policies, and a balance between individual and team goals..